Neighbourhood Watch

The embarrassing war of words between south coast chairmen Rupert Lowe and Milan Mandaric has continued in characteristic fashion over the last few days.

The battle has become insulting for fans and I’m reluctant to even report it now, as it’s the fact they hog the media spotlight with their fued, instead of concentrating on football, that really grates.

It was once believed children should be seen and not heard; instead the old adage should be applied to football club chairman. In fact it’d be an insult to most kids to suggest they’re playground fights would last so long.

Rupert Lowe reignited the flames with his assessment of the changes at St Mary’s since Redknapp’s departure:

?The most important thing with the management team we now have is that everyone is putting Southampton top of the agenda rather than themselves’

Admittedly these sentiments are generally felt by the fans too. He then seemed to be replying to Redknapp’s previous comments about Sir Clive Woodward when he stated:

?Harry Redknapp was involved in the process of bringing Sir Clive to Southampton.

?I personally went and saw him and asked if he thought it was a good idea’

‘And he was overly keen to work with him’

Predictably these comments have roused a response from the other end of the M27, despite their insistence last week they had enough on their plate – with Harry attempting to produce a Houdini act far more daunting even than he faced at St Mary’s last season.

Milan Mandaric described Lowe’s comments as ‘outrageous’ and has gone as far as suggesting his club and Harry Redknapp would be taking legal action:

‘As far as I’m concerned, Harry and the club are going to take Southampton to the cleaners,’

‘Over the last few months he and other Southampton club officials have accused us of all sorts of things including dishonesty, gambling and illegally poaching a manager it turns out he was glad to see the back of. I want a refund on my money. According to him he sold us a dishonest manager who can’t be trusted so I have to accept I’ve been conned and must be the world’s most lousy businessman.’

‘As a result of the very public comments made by Rupert Lowe we have instructed our lawyers to take immediate action on both Harry and the club’s behalf.’

Rupert Lowe has yet to respond to the comments, probably consulting his legal team before making any further comment.

In my opinion the whole thing seems pretty pathetic. But I have to admit to much amusement at seeing them struggle so badly, and I know they felt the same about us last season.

What do you think, is this all a plan by Lowe to further disrupt our beleaguered neighbours’ season ? Do you think it all adds to the rivalry or are you annoyed its still ongoing ?

Let us know your comments below and in our forum.